Sir: The new premier, Raja Pervez Ashraf, chaired his first cabinet meeting where he arrived five minutes earlier than the stipulated time. Many issues came under discussion during the meeting, including revitalisation of the power sector, Pakistan-US ties, the Balochistan issue, etc. The strangest was about signing a MoU with Afghanistan on initiating a rail link between Pakistan and Afghanistan. It was said that the rail route would help strengthen bilateral and trade relations between the two countries. When our own railway system is not working properly, how could the system work properly in an area where uncertainty is at its peak? The government should realise the ordeals of the common man and take initiatives to reform the railway system. Regional cooperation is important but at this point of time, should how to help others be the main priority? Government had better divert the funds to improve the poor condition of the railways within the country, since charity begins at home. AURANGZEB MEMON Nawabshah